da marjack bet： Ilkay Gundogan has been Barcelona's biggest addition this summer, but there might not be an obvious spot for him in Xavi's line-up
da dobrowin： This is harder than it should be. Barca won La Liga by some distance last year, tallying 88 points and grinding through the season thanks to the best defence in Europe. But they have lost some key players from the side who lifted the title. Sergio Busquets, who enjoyed a rebirth of sorts, has left for Inter Miami. Ousmane Dembele, the provider of timely goals and assists, is seemingly on his way to PSG. While Jordi Alba, one of the leaders of the squad, has teamed up with Busquets – and Lionel Messi – in Florida.
Barca seem set to field a similar XI, but certainly have some holes to fill. However, they don't appear to have brought in the right players to do so. The Blaugrana need a new No.6, but who among their new acquisitions – or current options – can be trusted to play the position reliably?
It's just one of a few issues that Xavi faces as he looks to piece together a side that can once again compete for the La Liga crown. Although Barca's financial issues are well-chronicled, there's always the chance that a new famous lever frees up some cash. Neymar is among the reported targets, but any deal would be tough to get across the line. Until then, the coach still has some interesting options. GOAL looks at how Barcelona should line up this season…
Getty ImagesGK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
With Thibaut Courtois' ACL injury ruling him out for the season, is there a better goalkeeper in La Liga? Ter Stegen bailed out Barca so many times during the last campaign and was reliable as a distributor, too. Xavi has built an excellent side, and it all starts with his star man between the sticks.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Jules Kounde
Reluctantly. Kounde has never really been happy at right-back. But it turns out he's rather good there. He will, presumably, move over to the middle at some point. For now, though, he's stuck – not that Xavi will care too much. He's the best man for the position.
GettyCB: Ronald Araujo
Fitness, as ever, will be an issue. But Araujo was one of the best at his position in Europe last year. And while it will be difficult to replicate such scintillating form, the Uruguayan would walk into pretty much any team in the world.
Getty ImagesCB: Adreas Christensen
One of the best free agent signings of last summer will look to replicate his top-class 2022-23 season. Christensen starts the campaign injured – something that may concern his manager – but seems certain to settle into a groove once things get going.